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Researchers find aspirin avoidance is safe for patients with modern heart pumps

Researchers found that removing aspirin from treatment while continuing vitamin-k antagonists in patients with modern left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) did not increase clotting-related risks or pump malfunctions. Aspirin avoidance was associated with a reduction in bleeding events, lower hospital days, and decreased cost of care.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateNov 14, 2023

Study in JAMA Cardiology finds coating on aspirin does not impact effectiveness or safety for cardiovascular patients

A recent study in JAMA Cardiology analyzed data from 15,000 patients and found that enteric coating on aspirin does not change its effectiveness or safety for secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. The study suggests that patients can choose the aspirin formulation that suits them best.

SourceOchsner Health System·JournalJAMA Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 6, 2023

Red blood cell transfusion in the ICU

Red blood cell transfusions were common in ICU patients globally, with overlapping reasons for use despite differing clinical contexts. The three most common triggers for transfusion (hypotension, tachycardia, hemodynamic instability) were largely consistent across regions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 12, 2023

Menstrual discs may be best for heavy monthly blood flow

Researchers compared absorbency of 21 menstrual hygiene products using human red blood cells, finding that menstrual discs held the most blood, while super-absorbency period pants held the least. The study highlights the need for more research on menstruation to improve diagnostic accuracy and care for women.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health·TypeObservational study·DateAug 7, 2023

Study shines new light on old drug for trauma care

A new study has found that the drug tranexamic acid significantly improves survival rates among severely injured patients, with approximately four extra survivors for every 100 treated with the medication. However, the long-term outcomes of care and quality of life remain a concern, highlighting the need for further research.

SourceMonash University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 14, 2023

Bleeding after image-guided breast biopsies: Discontinuing vs. maintaining antithrombotic therapy

A study of 5302 patients found no significant difference in bleeding events between those temporarily discontinuing and maintaining antithrombotic therapy during image-guided breast biopsies. The findings support the safety of continuing antithrombotic therapy, but counsel patients on bruising risk.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 10, 2023

Tranexamic acid does not appear to prevent maternal hemorrhage after cesarean delivery

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that tranexamic acid did not reduce the need for blood transfusions or prevent maternal death in patients with increased risk for excessive bleeding after cesarean delivery. However, patients who received tranexamic acid had less need for additional medical intervent...

Lifesaving drug for severe bleeding after childbirth could be made accessible for all, study suggests

Researchers from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that intramuscular administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) is safe and quickly reaches therapeutic concentrations in pregnant women. Oral TXA was also well-tolerated but took an hour to reach therapeutic blood concentrations.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 5, 2023

Decoding brain arteriovenous malformations in the Asian population: a Chinese Neurosurgical Journal study

A nationwide registry of AVM patients from 52 hospitals in mainland China investigated the efficacy of different treatments on patient groups. The study found that categorizing treatment strategies based on disease severity is an ideal approach, and a multidisciplinary comprehensive assessment promotes individualized treatment protocols.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Neurosurgical Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2023

Warmer brain-irrigation fluid in surgery more efficacious

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg found that using warmer brain irrigation fluid can halve the number of repeat operations needed to remedy bleeding under the cranium. This method involves replacing room temperature irrigation fluid with body temperature fluid, resulting in a significant reduction in surgical interventions.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 22, 2022

Bivalirudin found to be safer and more effective than heparin for treating heart attack patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

A new study has shown that bivalirudin is a safer and more effective anticoagulant than heparin for treating heart attack patients. The trial found that bivalirudin significantly reduced death, major bleeding, and thrombosis in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 6, 2022

A major clinical trial shows how to reduce the risk of stomach bleeding occasionally caused by regular aspirin use

A major clinical trial found that a short course of antibiotics can significantly reduce the risk of stomach bleeding caused by regular aspirin use, potentially improving its safety. The study involved 30,166 patients taking aspirin and showed rapid protection from hospital admissions for ulcer bleeding.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 3, 2022

1.3 million American adults with diabetes ration their insulin due to cost; younger adults and the uninsured are most likely to ration

A study found that 16.5% of American adults with diabetes ration their insulin, with younger adults and the uninsured being most affected. Insulin rationing is often linked to cost concerns, with many patients delaying purchases or taking less insulin than needed.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 17, 2022

Flatworm-inspired medical adhesives stop blood loss

Researchers from McGill University developed a medical adhesive inspired by flatworms that uses suction to absorb blood and promote blood coagulation. The adhesive can be removed without causing re-bleeding, making it a potential replacement for wound sutures or delivering drugs.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2022